How to Build Rustic Tables From Oak

Make the Tabletop

• 1

  Carve a slab of oak to make it 36-inches by 72-inches. If you can't find a slab, glue together pieces of 3/4-inch oak, alternating the direction of the rings with each piece. Clamp the wood together, or use biscuit joints to join the pieces.

• 2

  Finish the edges by either using a drawknife or a hand planer for a rugged look, or use the table saw for a sharp edged finish.

• 3

  Sand the top carefully.

Make the Legs

• 4

  Cut the newel posts to the desired height.

• 5

  Attach a corbel on each side, angling an 8-inch lag screw into each. Make certain the corbels and the end of the newel are level. Use a corbel that is at least 10-1/2 inches long to make the table stable.

• 6

  Cut the stretcher bar to length and attach it between the newel posts by screwing a lag screw through the post and into the stretcher bar. Plug the hole with a dowel rod, leaving the dowel exposed 1/2 inch.

• 7

  Cut two 12-inch square leg plates out of 3/4-inch wood.

• 8

  Attach the leg plates on top of the newel post using 3-inch deck screws.

Assemble the Table

• 9

  Turn the table top over and draw a line around the perimeter, 3 inches from the edge.

• 10

  Cut twelve 1-by-2-by-8 inch pieces. Attach them on their flat side to the underside of the table using 1-1/4-inch deck screws. Space these cleats along the inside edge between the spots where the legs will attach.

• 11

  Miter the edges of the 1-by-4-inch pieces, which will form the apron around the perimeter of the underside of the table. Set these pieces in place outside the cleats and secure in place with screws.

• 12

  Set two 2-by-4-inch stringers on edge between the apron pieces where the legs will be installed. The ends of these stringers should butt up on the long sides of the apron. Secure in place with 3-inch screws.

• 13

  Center the legs and affix with 1-1/4 inch deck screws.

• 14

  Turn the table upright. Fill any holes with wood putty. Sand the table completely. Stain and seal.